Is it illegal to carry a concealed gun without a permit?
Varies by state, ranging from a protected right to a serious violent felony.
Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is highly illegal in much of the U.S., though laws vary drastically by state. While over half of the states have adopted 'Constitutional Carry' laws allowing permitless concealed carry for law-abiding adults, many others require strict licensing or prohibit it entirely. In non-permissive jurisdictions, carrying without a permit is often treated as a major criminal offense that can lead to a permanent loss of firearm rights. Federal law also prohibits carrying in specific 'gun-free' zones regardless of state-level permits.
RELEVANT LAWS
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(q)Gun-Free School Zones Act
- N.Y. Penal Law § 265.03Criminal Possession of a Weapon
- CA Penal Code § 25400Carrying a Concealed Firearm
- ILCS 5/24-1Unlawful Use of Weapons
POTENTIAL PENALTIES
- Fines ranging from $1,000 to over $10,000
- Imprisonment ranging from several months to several years
- Permanent revocation of firearm ownership privileges
- Confiscation and destruction of the weapon
JURISDICTION
In 'Constitutional Carry' states like Texas or Florida, it is legal, whereas in 'May Issue' states like New York, it is a serious crime.
Vermont has never required a permit for concealed carry in its entire history, a legal standard often referred to as 'Vermont Carry'.
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